MCG submits ‘Billion Rupee Plan’ to dispose legacy waste at Bandhwari dumpyard

A comprehensive proposal worth Rs 1 billion has been submitted to the Department of Urban Local Bodies (ULB), Haryana Government, for approval to eliminate over 10 lakh tonnes of legacy waste from the Bandhwari Solid Waste Treatment Plant.

As per reports, the officials of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) are expecting the plan to receive the green light to the proposal during an upcoming purchase committee meeting that will be chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The urgency of this proposal stems from the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) December 17 deadline, which requires MCG to provide an update on waste clearance at Bandhwari. Earlier this year, MCG assured the NGT through an affidavit that the entire waste backlog would be cleared by December 2024.

However, with the deadline approaching, the corporation is expected to request a six-month extension to complete the project.

Currently, Bandhwari houses approximately 10 lakh tonnes of legacy waste, significantly reduced from 32 lakh tonnes four years ago. The waste disposal process was previously handled by contractors, but their contracts have since lapsed. Under the new plan, three agencies will collaborate to manage the remaining waste removal.

MCG Commissioner Ashok Garg confirmed the submission, stating that the Rs 100 crore legacy waste disposal plan has been presented for approval and will be discussed during the chief minister’s meeting. The commissioner further highlighted that Bandhwari receives an influx of 2,000 tonnes of waste daily from Gurugram and an additional 1,000 tonnes from Faridabad. Despite this, the MCG asserts that Bandhwari’s facility has the capacity to process 10,000 tonnes per day.

Concerns Continue

Environmentalists and local activists continue to voice concerns, pushing for accelerated action to mitigate the environmental risks posed by the accumulating waste. The NGT has consistently criticized the MCG for delays and inefficiencies, emphasizing the severe implications for public health and the environment.

The Rs 100 crore initiative outlines a structured plan to clear the remaining waste and establish safeguards to prevent future build-up. The committee’s forthcoming decision will dictate the project’s launch, signifying a critical step toward addressing Gurugram’s waste management challenges.